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Friday, June 3, 2016

"Reflecting Color and Light" 6"x 6", oil

“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” – Sir Francis Bacon

When I set up this painting, I was interested in a traditional approach while creating a warm atmosphere.I pulled out my warm colors like cadmium red and cadmium yellow and complemented them with ultramarine blue. I also used a low light that brought out the brightness of each of the local color and their reflections.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

" Sunflower on White Cloth" was painted when my husband brought me a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. I love their bright color but I didn't want to rival their brilliant yellow orange hue by adding any other strong color. So I kept the palette limited to three main colors: cadmium yellow, cadmium red, ivory black to which I added white. The subdued atmosphere I created has an ambiance that brings the sunflower's rich colors out. The softness of the white cloth contrasts with the sunflower's brilliant hues.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

“Aspirin is so good for roses, brandy for sweet peas, and a squeeze of lemon-juice for the fleshy flowers, like begonias.”

Gerald Durrell, My Family and Other Animals

I have been looking for a while at David Leffel's paintings, and have also read his book " Oil Painting Secrets from a Master".

I wanted to apply some of his teachings in "Red Begonia with Lemon". Now, I'm not sure how much of his teachings I was able to apply in this painting, but I am sure that I was able to capture something of the lighting and atmosphere that Leffel emphasizes in his book.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Red Flowers With Citrus, 5"x 7", oil

Used throughout a room, orange can become surprisingly neutral

and yet it can be bright and mood-enhancing. (Jonathan Adler),

"Red Flowers with Citrus" was painted on a linen panel. Whenever I paint on linen, my paintings get a traditional look to them. The low lighting is reminiscent of a chiaroscuro painting. Also, the little mandarins have an appealing warm glow. There is a mysterious atmosphere that surrounds this warm painting. I almost feel that there should be a candle somewhere in the background.

About Me

I live in the Pacific Northwest, just a mile from the majestic Columbia River. I do both painting and printmaking. I have found particularly in painting a richness of color and physical texture, something intense and of-the-moment.
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